Steelers HC Mike Tomlin: RB Najee Harris is 'a born leader'

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin generated plenty of headlines during a recent edition of "The Pivot Podcast" when he made it known that star wide receiver Antonio Brown has played his final down with the franchise and will only return via a ceremonial contract to retire as a member of the club if he does at all. 

Of course, Tomlin spoke about much more than just former Pittsburgh players. 

Tomlin and company are on the cusp of beginning a new era following the retirement of longtime quarterback and future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger. By most accounts, either free-agent acquisition Mitchell Trubisky or first-round draft selection Kenny Pickett will immediately replace Roethlisberger atop the Pittsburgh depth chart, and Trubisky may win the starting gig this summer only to keep the seat warm for Pickett down the road. 

Thus, the Steelers find themselves looking for a new offensive leader. Per Curt Popejoy of Steelers Wire/USA Today, Tomlin named running back and 2021 rookie Najee Harris as a potential option for that role during the podcast interview. 

"Najee is a leader," Tomlin explained. "He was a born leader. He’s got good football morals. He sees the game the way we see the game." 

As noted by ESPN stats, Harris easily led the Steelers last season with 1,200 rushing yards, 307 carries, and seven touchdowns on the ground, and the 24-year-old also contributed 74 catches for 467 yards and three additional scores. According to Kevin Patra of the NFL's website, Harris said earlier this month his workload will decrease during his second pro campaign, but that does not mean he can not serve as a vocal leader in the huddle, on the sidelines, and behind the scenes.